Ava Cervantes, Downtime #2

Dear Councilmembers,

It has come to our attention that Newton has a prime opportunity to deal with the well-known bandit issue. While Newton was founded in an effort to ensure a measure of safety on the trade route, it is easy to become overly complacent in accepting the bandits as a problem without end. The difficulty with this is that as we become more complacent, the bandits become increasingly bold. This has become vividly evident with the attack on Corwin Gray's supply caravan. Also, with the new threat from an unknown party on the Newton heirs, I think it best that we deal with our known enemies quickly and reduce any dangers as much as possible.

I have no wish to draw this process out, as I prefer Newton in a time of peace rather than tension and fighting. I plan to deal with this situation with efficiency and speed. However, I think it equally important, if not more so, to keep in mind Newton's defenses. It would not be wise to send all of our troops out to deal with these rogues while leaving our homes naked and vulnerable. If anything, I believe Newton's defenses should be increased during this period of tension. All I can hope is that I will receive the council's agreement on this matter.

I have gone over preliminary listings of all registered able-bodied persons and I estimate that after establishing our defenses, we will have an attack force that will be sufficient to deal with the bandits provided their numbers do not exceed our current understanding. I have sent an armored caravan to Cody to procure any items that will be necessary in the time ahead, such as plentiful supplies of ammo, assault rifles, grenades, and hopefully a howitzer or two.

Sincerely,
Eva Cervantes
Militia Commander